In 2013 RSYS adopted the new Australian Sailing endorsed Learn to Sail program for children, called the 'Tackers Program'. The Tackers program is aimed at introducing children aged 8 to 12 to sailing in a fun, safe, accessible and affordable way. The program offers children the opportunity to start on a pathway to ongoing involvement in clubs, gradually progressing through over several seasons.

The Tackers program utilises a poly-plastic and simplified version of the International Optimist sailing dinghy. The Optimist is a small, single-handed sailing dinghy sailed by children up to the age of 15. It is one of the most popular sailing dinghies in the world, with over 150,000 boats officially registered with the Class and many more built but never registered. It is sailed in over 120 countries and in the last Olympics, 85% of medal-winning skippers were former Optimist dinghy sailors.

The RSYS Tackers Program is open to both members and non-members. Tacker's sailors are provided with a boat for all training, receive instruction from accredited Australian Sailing Instructors as well as receiving a Certificate with each level passed. 

What should my child bring to a Tackers course?

With the majority of the course spent sailing around Sydney Harbour, we highly recommend that participants wear clothing that can get wet.

For both girls and boys, we recommend board shorts, a long sleeve rash top, a spray jacket, and a wetsuit for cold days. We also recommend you bring a change of clothes, a towel and sailing gloves.

All participants must wear enclosed shoes and a hat at all times on the course. 

The RSYS provide PFD's (Personal flotation devices) for all course participants. If you have your own PFD you can bring it with you to the course.  

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Course Overview
This course aims to build on the fun participants had in Tackers 1, to progress their sailing skills. 

Course Prerequisites

• Water confident
• 7-12 years-old
• Skills, knowledge and experience gained in Tackers 1.

Who should do this course?

This course is designed for participants who have completed Tackers 1.

Course Outcome

By the end of the Tackers 2 course, the participants will be able to:

• Get out of irons on their own
• Safely gybe the boat
• Correctly use the tiller extension
• Sailing around a triangle course, including:
  • Upwind - on a close hauled course tacking through the 'no go zone'
  • Downwind - with centreboard up
  • Reaching - correct sail position
• Demonstrate a 360 and 720-degree turn

You will gain your Tackers 2 completion certificate.